By Ogochukwu Isioma
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker and screenwriter Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, following his death.
President Tinubu described the late actor as a distinguished artiste whose decades-long career contributed significantly to the development of Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema.
In a condolence message, the President said Ogogo’s distinctive acting style, powerful screen presence and dedication to his craft helped entertain generations of Nigerians while promoting Yoruba culture and the country’s wider cultural heritage.
“Alhaji Taiwo Hassan was a gifted artiste who used his talent to tell Nigerian stories, preserve our cultural heritage and entertain audiences at home and abroad,” Tinubu said.
The President said Ogogo’s body of work would remain an important part of Nigeria’s cultural history, noting that his mentorship and influence on younger artistes further strengthened his legacy in the creative industry.
“His passing is a great loss to his family, the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood and the entire Nigerian creative community,” he said.
Tinubu extended his condolences to Ogogo’s family, colleagues, friends and admirers across the country, praying for strength for those mourning the actor.
“On behalf of the Federal Government, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, friends and millions of admirers. I pray that Almighty Allah will grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” the President said.
He urged members of the creative industry and Nigerians to honour Ogogo’s memory by preserving and building on the cultural values and artistic traditions to which he devoted his life.
Before gaining fame as an actor, Ogogo worked as a mechanic at the Ogun State Water Corporation for about 13 years. He began acting in 1981 while combining the profession with his job as a mechanic, before leaving the job in 1994 to pursue acting full-time.
